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Prestonwood Rotary History

 
 
The Rotary Club of Prestonwood Dallas (Prestonwood Rotary) will be celebrating 50 years as a Rotary Club on June 6, 2027, serving the needs of our surrounding area, focusing on the needs of children.
 
The Prestonwood Rotary Club was founded by leading members of the Addison-Prestonwood business community.  It received its charter from Rotary International (RI) on June 6, 1977.  The original Charter was signed by Rotary International President, Robert A. Manchester II, and Rotary International General Secretary Harry A Stewart, and the name of the club was Addison-Prestonwood Rotary Club.
 
In July 1987 the Club admitted its first female member, after Rotary International changed its membership rules.
 
On September 27, 1996, RI re-issued the Prestonwood Rotary charter in the Name of Rotary Club of Prestonwood Dallas, signed by Rotary International President Louis Vincente Giay and Rotary International General Secretary Geffrey S. Large.
 
Ms. Kim Holland became the first female District Governor of Rotary District 5180 and the first member of our Club to serve as District Governor, serving from 2006-2007.
 
Mr. Larry W. Webb became the second member of our Club to serve as District Governor, serving from 2015-2016.
 
Prestonwood Rotary has a very distinguished and rich history of service and commitment to Rotary District 5810 having received numerous District 5810 Club Awards.  Over the years Prestonwood Rotary has received 32 District Awards for its projects upholding the ideals of Rotary.  Please refer to District Awards under the “About Us” tab of Prestonwood Rotary.org. for additional information on District Awards Received.
 
Through voluntary contributions to The Rotary International Foundation and our own club foundation, The Prestonwood Rotary Foundation (founded May 9, 2001), we have funded numerous projects improving the lives of children locally and around the world.  We partner with other District 5810 clubs (approximately 60 Rotary clubs in North Texas) for international water catchment projects and drilling water wells previously throughout Zambia, and now in the Caribbean Islands.  Focusing our efforts in areas near that country’s public school system, as that was and is the most economical way to provide safe clean water to the children of that area.
 
Rick Amber, a former member of Prestonwood Rotary, founded Challenge Air in 1993 after overcoming his disability through several activities. He became a quadriplegic in 1971 when his jet crashed during a landing attempt on a naval aircraft carrier.
 
We are also very proud of our association with Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.  The only person that is limited is one with a limited mind. Once that barrier is broken, one’s true potential can be reached. Amber passed away in 1997 after battling cancer, but his legacy and impact live on through Challenge Air.
 
"The human spirit prevails over any physical or mental obstacle. After a day with Challenge Air, no height seems unreachable…all it takes is desire and truly, the sky is the limit!" – Rick Amber
 
In addition to Challenge Air, Prestonwood Rotary is known for its other Legacy projects:
  1. Honoring, annually since 1982, local Dallas Law Enforcement personnel for their dedication to serving and protecting our community.
  2. Honoring, annually since 2006, local Dallas Fire and Rescue personnel for their dedication to serving and protecting our community.
Due to the Pandemic of 2018-2020, Prestonwood Rotary could no longer meet at its former meeting location, Prestonwood Country Club, having met there for over 30 years.  After trying numerous locations, Prestonwood Rotary now meets at Café de France, on Preston Road in Dallas.
 
In May 2023, we are proud to have the former members of the East Dallas Rotary Club as members of Prestonwood Rotary, including two additional Past District Governors of District 5810:  Bill Frew served at District Governor of District 5810 from 1998-1999 and Gilbert Brown serving as District Governor of District 5810 from 2004-2005.